Ecological Garden Design: Lessons From the Bush
Description
Do you get overwhelmed with choosing indigenous plants? Not sure how many to buy, what pairs well together, or how to strike a balance between natural beauty and a tidy look? Join us for a one-hour Master Class where you’ll learn how to design an indigenous garden that’s low-maintenance, visually impactful, and budget-conscious. Taken by Michael Benham, the session will include -
- Placemaking & First Principles - Learn how to assess your site and understand its broader context within the landscape. As well as exploring how to match your garden dreams with practical and achievable outcomes.
- Ecological Design Thinking - Discover how to integrate existing views, hide eyesores, enhance street appeal, and work with light, shade, and natural materials.
- Garden Infrastructure & Lawn Alternatives - Tips on designing functional elements like paths, utility zones, and alternatives to traditional lawns.
- Habitat & Biodiversity - Understand the ecological roles of your garden—how to support birds, beneficial insects, reptiles, and amphibians through thoughtful design.
- Plant Selection - Guidance on choosing the right mix of foliage, flowers, Mallee eucalypts, native grasses, and protective/thorny species.
- Debunking the Myths - Separate fact from fiction when it comes to indigenous gardening.
This session is part of a three part series called “Nurturing Indigenous Gardens”. Other topics include ‘Beyond plants - what else to include’ and ‘Maintaining Indigenous Gardens – Pruning, Trimming, Watering, and Nourishing’. Book the Series Package for discount. Friends of SGA receive a 15% discount on Master Class full price tickets. You can become a Friend of SGA here. Green Garden Professional (GGPs) receive a 30% discount.
Sessions are recorded and made available for two weeks after the session airs. You will be sent a link and password to access the recording.
What you will learn
- How tomake indigenous gardens beautiful and the envy of your street
What you will get
- Free access to recording for 2 weeks
What to bring
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What to wear
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Appropriate for
Gardeners who want to learn more about ecological informed design
Sustainable Gardening Australia (SGA) is a not-for-profit non-government organiation dedicated to achieving a healthy biodiverse planet.
Its driving purpose is to:
- Encourage, educate and enable home and professional gardeners to adopt sustainable gardening practices to protect or enhance the natural environment;
- Provide information, education and undertake research about the natural environment;
- Reconnect people to the natural world through gardening; and
- Ensure an understanding of the impacts that gardening decisions about chemical and resource use have on the natural environment well beyond their neighbourhood.
Your Teacher
Hello, I’m Michael Benham—a qualified horticulturist from the Victorian Indigenous Nurseries Co-Operative (VINC). I have nearly a decade of experience across a range of botanical roles, including garden design and construction, bush regeneration, urban farming, and community-based environmental initiatives. While I’m most passionate about Australian native plants, I also maintain professional interests in ecological sciences, science communication, and the creative expression of the Australian landscape.
Cancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a full refund.
If you can't attend the class:
Terms & Conditions
SGA’s Booking Conditions
- Bookings are considered final once payment is made and no refunds will be given for non-attendance.
- If there are insufficient numbers for an event it may be cancelled or postponed by SGA. If this is the case, you will be notified and given the option of either a full refund or a transfer to a different SGA event of equivalent value.
- Please arrive 10 minutes before the scheduled starting time for registration and seating